Baker, Wilder DuPuy

Date of birth:: July 22nd, 1890 (Topeka-Shawnee County/Kansas, United States)
Date of death:: November 10th, 1975 (La Jolla/California, United States)
Nationality:: American

Biography

Servicenumber 0-8703, United States Navy.

Wilder DuPuy Baker was born on July 22nd, 1890 as the son of Isaac Newcomb Baker and Mary Richards Haskins Dupuy. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1914.
He married Constance North Metcalfe (*May 14th, 1894 - + July 8th, 1925) on April 26th, 1916. After her death he married (+ September 1968) on January 1st, 1930.

He was involved in creating the Antisubmarine Warfare Operational Research Group (ASWORG). Between December 5th, 1942 and May 17th, 1943 he served as Commanding Officer U.S.S. North Carolina (BB-55) and commanded the Cruiser-Destoryer Forces at the Aleoutians and the amphibian attack on Saipan. Later he served as Chief of Staff Task Froce 38 under McCain.

After the Second World War he Commanded the 11th Naval District. He retired as Vice Admiral in 1952.

Promotions:
?: Midshipman;
?: Lieutenant;
?: Lieutenant Commander;
?: Commander;
?: Captain;
?: Rear Admiral;
?: Vice Admiral.

Career:
1910 - 1914: United States Naval Academy;
11th January 1923: Commanding Officer S-11 (SS-116);
14th July 1923: Commanding Officer S-13 (SS-118);
1st October 1925: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Kidder (DD-319);
1932: U.S.S. Wyoming (BB-32);
1st October 1939: Commanding Officer Destroyer Squadron 31;
2nd March 1942: Commanding Officer Antisubmarine Warfare Unit, Atlantic Fleet;
5th December 1942 - 27th May 1943: Commanding Officer USS North Carolina (BB-55);
27th May 1943: Commanding Officer Cruiser Division 1;
14th April 1944: Commanding Officer Cruiser Division 14;
11th August 1944: Chief of staff 2nd Fast Carrier Task Force;
14th February 1949 - 1952: Commanding Officer 11th Naval District.

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Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Rear Admiral
Unit:: Task Force 94 (TF-94), U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: May 14th, 1944

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Task Force NINETY-FOUR (TF-94), in the Pacific theater of operations from June 1943 to March 1944. During this period, Rear Admiral Baker operated the forces under his command under adverse weather conditions, conducting the first surface bombardment of the Japanese home islands and led the first offensive operations into the Sea of Okhotak. His courage, professional ability and outstanding leadership were responsible for the successful completion of all operations undertaken against the enemy without casualties or damage to his own forces. Rear Admiral Baker's conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States."

Commander In Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 01892 (May 14, 1944).

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Rear Admiral
Unit:: Task Group 38.1, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: 1944

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Chief of Staff to the Commander of Task Group THIRTY-EIGHT POINT ONE (TG-38.1) during the period 13 through 15 October 1944, off Formosa. Rear Admiral Baker's skillful high speed maneuvering and use of smoke by the Task Group, while interposing itself between two crippled cruisers and the major enemy air threat, enabled their successful withdrawal and eventual salvage. He resolved the problems presented by repeated and persistent air attacks and he maneuvered the Task Group with such skill and exceptional judgment that the enemy was forced to break off his attacks after suffering heavy losses. His courage and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Legion of Merit - US Military

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Rear Admiral
Unit:: 2nd Carrier Task Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: February 5th, 1945

Citation:
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to the Commander, Second Carrier Task Force, Pacific, from 18 August 1944 to 25 January 1945. His complete grasp of the manifold functions involved in connection with operations against the enemy in the Palau Islands, the Philippines, the Nansei Shoto Group, Formosa, and the coast of Indo-China was a vital factor in the highly efficient execution of these missions. His professional skill in maneuvering the ships of the Task Force against sustained enemy aerial attack not only was instrumental in bringing an extremely high percentage of ships unscathed through these actions, but made possible the infliction of tremendous damage on the enemy by the aircraft based on carriers in the Task Force. His diligence, indefatigable energy and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Baker is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)"

Received with "V" for Valor.
Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01223 (February 5, 1945).

Sources

Photo 1: Bill Gonyo
- Sterner C.D., Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present
- Family Tree Maker Online
- Together we served
- Military Times Hall of Valor